Following the European Union’s $3.5 billion fine on Google for anti-competitive practices in the online advertising sector, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong criticism. He considered the fine unjust and announced that his administration would not allow this ‘discriminatory action.’ The European Commission (EC) stated that Google had violated EU antitrust rules by giving preference to its own online ad tech services, thereby hindering competition in the ad tech market. Trump, using his social media platform, Truth Social, criticized the fine, arguing that it was taking away money that should be used for American investment and job creation. He also pointed out that this fine is just one in a line of penalties and taxes imposed on Google and other American tech companies. Trump threatened to launch ‘Section 301’ proceedings to reverse the fine against U.S. companies, while highlighting Google’s past payments of $13 billion due to ‘false claims and charges.’ He urged the EU to end the practices immediately.
